X: @the_news_21
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has taken a decisive step in curbing the proliferation of obscene and vulgar content by blocking access to 18 Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms. This move comes after repeated warnings and concerns raised over the content disseminated by these platforms, with several social media handles also facing a ban.
According to a statement from the government, the blocked OTT platforms were found to host content that was deemed obscene, vulgar, and derogatory towards women. The content depicted nudity, sexual acts, and inappropriate relationships, violating various sections of the IT Act, IPC, and Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
Among the banned platforms are Dreams Films, Voovi, Uncut Adda, Tri Flicks, X Prime, Neon X VIP, Besharams, Hunters, Rabbit, Xtramood, Neoflicks, MoodX, Mojflix, Hot Shots VIP, Fugi, Chickooflix, Prime Play, and Yessma.
The government emphasized that the content on these platforms lacked thematic or societal relevance and often depicted sexual innuendos and explicit scenes. Some content even showcased inappropriate relationships such as those between teachers and students or within incestuous family dynamics.
Highlighting the reach of these platforms, the Ministry stated that one app had garnered over 1 crore downloads, while two others exceeded 50 lakh downloads on the Google Play Store alone. Additionally, these platforms utilized social media extensively to promote their content, with a cumulative followership of over 32 lakh users across various social media platforms.
This crackdown underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding societal values and ensuring that digital platforms adhere to regulations governing content dissemination. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, regulatory measures become imperative to maintain ethical standards and protect vulnerable audiences from harmful content.
